Kukla's Korner Hockey

The numbers are incredible for Winnipegger Alex Steen so far this NHL season, but St. Louis Blues coach Ken Hitchcock says they don't even scratch the surface of how good the 29-year-old left-winger has been.

"Everybody is talking about the offensive numbers," Hitchcock said, as the Blues prepared to host the Winnipeg Jets at the Scottrade Center Tuesday night.

"This is just the evolution of a complete player. He's got a good conscience for the game. He sees the game properly. He understands 200 feet offensively and defensively. He gets the idea of proper positioning with pressure. He's able to absorb any role we give him.

"I think all of us are really happy for his offensive numbers, but we're more happy with the way his game has evolved. He has become the collective conscience of our hockey club. On the ice, off the ice, in the weight room, anywhere.